International Family Lawyers
Award-winning international family law solicitors
Many of our clients have family ties or assets in more than one country. Ranked by Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, our international family law team has extensive experience dealing with cross-border finances, international separation and complex children matters. Call us today on 020 7485 8811.
“A full service team which punches above its weight – dealing with a range of UK and international clients.”
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Comprehensive advice on all areas of International Family Law
International family law matters often involve complex questions about jurisdiction, relocation, cross-border child arrangements and international finances. Our specialist team provides clear, strategic advice to families navigating legal issues that span more than one country.
Osbornes Law is recognised as one of the leading international family law teams in London. We act in High Net Worth international divorce cases, cross-border financial disputes and highly complex children matters involving the laws of multiple jurisdictions. Our lawyers are experts in international relocation, abduction under the Hague Convention, and enforcement of foreign orders.
Osbornes Law is based in London, but the families we support often have connections around the world. Many of our cases involve parents living in different countries, assets held overseas or disputes that span several jurisdictions. Our team is well-versed in managing cross-border issues and working alongside lawyers abroad. We regularly advise on cases involving Europe (including Spain, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland), the Middle East (UAE, Qatar and Israel), North America (USA and Canada), Asia (Singapore, Hong Kong and India), and Australia and New Zealand.
We are also home to one of the UK’s leading international adoption teams, and we have specialist expertise in surrogacy, fertility law and cross-border parenthood. Our children’s law team regularly acts in international child arrangement disputes, challenging public law cases, and cases involving serious welfare concerns.
As the Legal 500 states:
“Osbornes offers a unique service of high-quality advice and representation across a wide range of areas of law…this is a very strong team.”
We are also recommended by Chambers UK (High Net Worth section), the Spears HNW Guide and The Times Best Law Firms guide.
Our international family lawyers are all members of Resolution, committed to helping families resolve disputes constructively. We understand the unique pressures of international cases, from urgent injunctions to navigating different legal systems, and provide practical support throughout.
Our International Family Law Services
International Divorce & Separation
International divorce often involves questions about which country has jurisdiction, where assets are located and which legal system provides the fairest outcome. Our team advises on:
- Jurisdiction disputes
- Forum shopping and parallel proceedings
- International financial settlements
- Overseas property and business assets
- Freezing orders and asset protection
Visit our dedicated international divorce page.
We work hard to make sure your case is handled in the country that offers you the best outcome, and that your financial position is fully protected.
International Child Arrangements & Custody
Cross-border children matters are often the most sensitive and challenging. Our team advises parents on:
- International child custody disputes
- Agreeing or opposing international relocation
- Contact arrangements when parents live in different countries
- Long-distance parenting and travel arrangements
- Enforcing foreign child arrangement agreements
We put your child’s wellbeing first and help you understand the legal and practical issues involved in parenting when parents live in different countries.
International Relocation
If one parent hopes to relocate abroad with a child, and the other parent does not agree, the law must carefully review the case. We advise on:
- Applications for permission to relocate overseas
- Opposing relocation and preparing alternative proposals
- Welfare considerations and risk assessments
- Long-distance parenting arrangements
- Ensuring any relocation plan is workable and enforceable
Visit our dedicated page on international child relocation.
These cases need specialist knowledge, good negotiation skills and an understanding of how court orders work across different countries.|
International Adoption
Our adoption team, led by Naomi Angel, is one of the most respected in the UK. We advise on:
- Inter-country adoption
- Hague Convention adoption processes
- Step-parent adoption with overseas elements
- Recognition of foreign adoption orders
Visit our dedicated page on International adoption.
We help you through each step of the adoption process and ensure you meet the legal requirements in the UK and abroad.
Surrogacy, Fertility & Cross-Border Parenthood
International surrogacy and assisted reproduction often involve complex questions of parental status, travel documentation and recognition of parenthood. Our solicitors assist with:
- International surrogacy agreements
- Parental orders following international surrogacy
- Donor conception and legal parenthood
- Registration of foreign birth certificates
- Cross-border fertility arrangements
Visit our dedicated page on Surrogacy Law & Fertility Law
We help intended parents secure the legal protection they need and ensure their parenthood is fully recognised in the UK.
International Mediation & Collaborative Law
Family mediation can be particularly effective in international cases where court proceedings in multiple countries would be costly and slow. We offer:
- Cross-border mediation
- Online mediation for clients living abroad
- Collaborative negotiations
- Parenting plans for separated parents in different countries
Enforcement of Foreign Orders & Cross-Border Litigation
International family disputes frequently require enforcement of overseas decisions. We advise on:
- Recognition of foreign divorce orders
- Enforcing foreign child arrangement orders in the UK
- Transferring enforcement abroad
- Cross-border financial disclosure
- Working with foreign lawyers in simultaneous proceedings
We ensure your orders are valid and enforceable across the relevant countries.
Talk to our International Family Law Specialists
If your family law issue involves more than one country, our expert lawyers can provide fast, clear and strategic advice. We offer a confidential initial discussion to help you understand your options.
To speak with a solicitor:
- Fill in our online enquiry form
- Or call 020 7485 8811
International Family Law FAQs
What is international family law?
International family law covers legal matters that involve more than one country. This includes divorce between parties from different nations, child custody disputes where parents live in different countries, international relocation of children, cross-border financial settlements, international adoption, and surrogacy arrangements with overseas elements. The key complexity is determining which country’s courts have jurisdiction and which legal system applies.
What do international family lawyers help with?
International family lawyers assist with a wide range of cross-border matters including jurisdiction disputes in divorce, international child custody and contact arrangements, applications to relocate a child abroad, enforcement of foreign court orders in the UK, asset tracing and protection across multiple countries, international adoption, and cross-border surrogacy and fertility arrangements.
How do I know which country has jurisdiction for my divorce?
Jurisdiction in international divorce depends on factors such as where the parties are habitually resident, their nationality and where the marriage took place. In England and Wales, the courts can accept jurisdiction if either party is habitually resident or domiciled here. Jurisdiction matters because different countries apply very different rules on financial settlements, which can significantly affect the outcome.
Can I take my child abroad to live permanently?
If you share parental responsibility, you generally need the other parent’s written consent or a court order before permanently relocating abroad with a child. If the other parent does not agree, you must apply to the court for permission. Courts consider the child’s welfare as the primary concern, including the impact on their relationship with the other parent.
What happens if my child has been taken abroad without my consent?
If a child has been taken to another country without consent, this may constitute international child abduction. The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction provides a legal framework for the prompt return of abducted children between signatory countries. Acting quickly is essential.
Do I need a London-based solicitor for an international family law case?
You do not need to be based in London, but instructing London solicitors with international family law expertise has significant advantages. England and Wales courts are frequently chosen as the preferred jurisdiction for international cases. Our team advises clients based around the world and regularly conducts meetings remotely.
Do you have to divorce in the country where you married?
No. You do not have to divorce in the country where you married. What matters is whether the courts in a particular country have jurisdiction over your case, which is usually determined by where you and your spouse are habitually resident or domiciled.
Yael Selig is bilingual in Spanish and English. She is the go-to person for divorce cases involving Gibraltar particularly, or Spain.
Yael Selig regularly supports clients in cross jurisdictional UK–Spanish matters.
Osbornes‘ family team is headed up by Mark Freedman, a mediator and fighter who will get the job done on both complex financial matters and international children cases.
A market leader across public law, international cases, financial and children work.
"A doyenne of family law in international children work. She is phenomenal, and lives and breathes this work. There's nothing she doesn't know."
I received an outstanding service from Osbornes Law in relation to the processing of a complicated overseas Will. The service provided by Suzanna Baker and Jan Atkinson was very professional, their communication was clear and concise, and I felt that they did all they could to ensure as smooth a progression through probate as could be expected. I would 100% recommend this law firm.
Jan Atkinson has extensive experience in private client matters, which underpins her excellent skills in the contentious probate area. Plus she is strong on international matters.
"An exceptional outfit. They take on difficult cases, fight hard and win."
"They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."
"The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."
"Osbornes feels like a local firm but with a Big City reach."
"Recognised for its expertise in both domestic and international adoption, as well as assisted conception."
"Mark Freedman draws acclaim for his work in high net worth divorce cases, including those involving company structures, family trusts and overseas assets."
Naomi Angell is the doyenne of inter-country adoption and the font of all knowledge in this area.
[The Family Law department] handles significant matrimonial finance cases and complex nuptial agreements. Respected for its expertise in cross-border children law matters.
This team is perhaps best known for its children work, often involving complex international dynamics.
Osbornes handles a growing stable of wealthy international clients. The firm receives glowing plaudits from clients.
"Mark Freedman receives a lot of instructions from clients based abroad, often relating to complex divorce proceedings. Sources say: “His main strengths are his enthusiastic passion for the job in hand and his total dedication to his clients.”
